I downloaded my copy. You should too. Kina Grannis is letting you download a free copy of “Valentine,” the catchy folk-pop track that’s captured in the lyrical video above, as a preview of her new full-length album, “Stairwells,” which is available for pre-order. You can get a signed copy of the “Stairwells” CD, which officially releases on Feb. 25, for a mere $12. I pre-ordered. You should too.
Grannis, if you don’t know, is a talented hapa singer-songwriter whose prolific work is available on a YouTube channel that includes her hummable originals and tons of interesting covers. Back in 2008 I wrote about her when I stumbled upon and was enchanted by her breezy cover of “Sukiyaki.”
She’s part of a growing list of Asian American musicians who are making a mark on the mainstream pop scene.
One of these days, Grannis, or one of the other musicians in this circle, which includes the likes of Dawen, David Choi, Meiko, Tim Be Told, Vienna Teng, Mia Doi Todd, Cynthia Lin, Wendy Woo, Hello Kavita, Dwight Mark, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Rachael Yamagata, Phyllis Heitjan, Dengue Fever, Priscilla Ahn, Goh Nakamura and others, is gonna break out with a big hit.
Then, maybe everyone will get more of the attention they deserve.
I love Kina’s Pure singing voice…it is so relaxing and wonderful to listen to…if you want to hear Great Rock/Blues listen to BB Chung–aka as Alan Mirikitani–and the Buddaheads band…he also writes for other blues singers…there is so much Talent out there for all of your listening needs…support them all..I have CD’s from both and let me tell you Talent is abundent in the asian american population..you have to support them so they will remain making music.
Thanks, Janice — I’ll definitely check out BB Chung and the Buddaheads!